CM ready to resign if found responsible for Lahore clashes

LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that he will resign if found responsible for the violent clashes between supporters of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek and the police on Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference, he said that the deaths in the Model Town were unfortunate. “I have ordered formation of a judicial commission to probe the incident,” He said that he would not rest until the commission ascertains who was responsible for the incident and that they would be punished according to the law.

The chief minister also offered condolences to Dr Tahirul Qadri and the families of the victims over what he said were unfortunate deaths. “I request the people of Punjab to please maintain patience and tolerance, even though emotions are high,” he added. He also said that never engaged in the politics of bullets or batons and anyone was free to lodge an FIR against him.

On the other hand, Punjab Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Rana Sanaullah also said that Tahriul Qadri had deployed a private militia at his residence and created no-go areas. He said this (situation) would not be allowed. A case had been launched and a judicial inquiry of the incident would be conducted, he said.